Abstract
BackgroundBiofilm formation is an important causative factor in the expansion of the carious lesions in the enamel. Hence, new approaches to efficient antibacterial agents are highly demanded. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial-biofilm activity of chitosan hydrogel (CS gel), zinc oxide/ zeolite nanocomposite (ZnONC) either separately or combined together [ZnONC / CS gel (ZnONC-CS)] against Streptococcus mutans biofilm.ResultsMTT assay demonstrated that the ZnONC-CS exhibits a non-cytotoxic effect (> 90% cell viability) toward human gingival fibroblast cells at different dosages (78.1–625 μg/mL) within 72 h. In comparison with CS gel and ZnONC, ZnONC-CS was superior at biofilm formation and metabolic activity reduction by 33 and 45%, respectively; (P < 0.05). The field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the biofilms grown on the enamel slabs were largely in concordance with the quantitative biofilm assay results. Consistent with the reducing effect of ZnONC-CS on biofilm formation, the expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, and ftf significantly decreased.ConclusionsTaken together, excellent compatibility coupled with an enhanced antimicrobial effect against S. mutans biofilm has equipped ZnONC-CS as a promising candidate for dental biofilm control.
Highlights
Dental caries is one of the multi-factorial diseases affecting people worldwide
In vitro cytotoxicity assay of chitosan hydrogel (CS gel), ZnONC, and ZnONCCS The cytotoxic effects of CS gel, ZnONC, and ZnONCCS were evaluated with Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vitro
Effects of CS gel, ZnONC, and ZnONC on S. mutans biofilm formation ability inhibition The results of this study demonstrated that 39 μg/ mL (1⁄2 minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs)) of ZnONC-CS decreased 33% of biofilm formation of S. mutans (P = 0.00)
Summary
Dental caries is one of the multi-factorial diseases affecting people worldwide. Deep caries lesions can increase the risk of dental pulp infection. Carious lesions initiate where oral biofilms are allowed to grow and remain on the tooth surface [1]. The cariogenic potential associated with S. mutans includes adhesion to tooth surfaces, synthesis of EPS via glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), stimulates biofilm formation, and the ability to use sucrose and generate an acidic environment [5]. S. mutans produces a Afrasiabi et al BMC Microbiology (2021) 21:62 fructosyltransferase (Ftf), which synthesizes extracellular fructans from the fructose moiety of sucrose [8]. They can act as binding sites for bacterial aggregations [9]. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial-biofilm activity of chitosan hydrogel (CS gel), zinc oxide/ zeolite nanocomposite (ZnONC) either separately or combined together [ZnONC / CS gel (ZnONC-CS)] against Streptococcus mutans biofilm
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